Chyntia .DW
Apr 25, 2025
Indonesia is a boundless mosaic of natural glory and heritage treasures. With an archipelago spanning around 17,000 islands enriched by 300 ethnic groups spread over 34 provinces, dwelling in Indonesia is no short of a chance to embrace your wanderlust. It’s no surprise that Elizabeth Pisani calls Indonesia an “Improbable Nation” in her book “Indonesia Etc.”!
A lifetime is probably required for anyone to unfold every corner of this paradise‒even those living in the country all their lives, let alone those visiting for a relatively short period.
Read also Nature Fun Facts About Indonesia
Don’t fret! We’ve wrapped up 12 must-visit places for expats before leaving Indonesia that promise timelessness. So, clear your schedule, get your gear ready, and tap into your inner explorer side.
Admire the cultural capital of Yogyakarta
The second most popular destination after Bali is Yogyakarta. This cultural and spiritual hub for the Javanese people is also where tourists would usually base their stay when visiting Borobudur, which is actually located in Magelang, Central Java. We recommend staying at some of Java’s best hotels and spas in Yogyakarta City, and have a tour around to visit attractions such as the Sultan’s Palace or Kraton, Taman Sari (Water Castle), Beringharjo Market to bring home some fine Batik, Prambanan and Borobudur Temples, and the Ullen Sentalu Museum near Mt. Merapi Mountain‒which have been frequently heralded as the best museum in Indonesia.
Here’s our quick cheat sheet if you’d like to see the Best Things To Do in Yogyakarta.
Be mesmerised in the blue hues of Lombok and The Gilis
Lombok is a mesmerising island that embodies a tranquil escape from the busier Bali. You can sail a few hours by speedboat from Bali or catch a flight to Lombok. Once in Lombok, those who can’t get enough of Indonesia’s allure underwater can relax by the beach or get acquainted with the sea turtles by diving and snorkelling. But Lombok isn’t only for sea lovers‒hikers are encouraged to tackle one of the most breathtaking mountains in Indonesia, Rinjani. Not to mention, three islands just off Lombok’s west coast have garnered attention and much appreciation; Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno. The Gilis, as often referred to, exude an even more laid-back island way of life featuring more water activities.
Check out our picks of the Best Luxury Resorts in Lombok
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of Bunaken, North Sulawesi
The wild shapes and colours of fringing and barrier reef corals around Bunaken have attracted those looking for the best underwater panorama. The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1,566 m in Manado Bay), clear, refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbour some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any group of interest‒corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges‒and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. Bunaken is about an hour away by boat from Manado, North Sulawesi’s capital, thus day trips are definitely plausible if you don’t feel like staying overnight on the island. We recommend some of the numerous resorts dotting the Manado coast.
Experience the Best of Manado: 10 Things to Do in North Sulawesi's Capital
Drift towards the magic of Flores
Imagine an island boasting several volcanoes and ripe with indigenous cultures, home to the world-renowned Ikat weaving. That’s a mere portion of Flores’ heavenly appeal. Of all the sights, the three-coloured craters of Kelimutu are probably the most spectacular, situated at 1,600 m above sea level close to the summit of Mt. Kelimutu. Need more convincing?
We have 20 Reasons Why You Must Explore Flores Island to do the trick
Feel enthralled at Tana Toraja, Sulawesi
Take the beauty of Bali, the houses of the Bataks in Sumatra and the megalithic cultures of Sumba‒and you’re still not even close. Tana Toraja is a cultural island, hemmed in by mountains on all sides. Cave graves, hanging graves, tau tau (life-sized wooden effigies) of the dead, and buffalo carnage every summer; it’s macabre but fascinating. This is a world unto itself.
Discovering the Best of South Sulawesi: Exploring Toraja and Makassar
A 400-year-old family tomb the Torajans still use
The Torajans believe that when people die, they won’t be able to ascend to the next life without sacrificing a buffalo (or a boar), as it indicates one’s transport to the afterlife. Hence, the funeral ceremony plays a central role in the Torajan culture, and could even cost hundreds of millions of Rupiah. Without a proper ceremony, they believe that the deceased’s soul will stay with the family, so they would keep the body in their house until the ceremony day, which could mean months or even years of waiting.
Get enraptured by the Macan and Sepa of Thousand Islands, Jakarta
Escape the bustling metropolitan of Jakarta to the Thousand Islands, a string of 110 islands (so no, not really a thousand) stretching 45 km north into the Java Sea at West Jakarta Bay. While some of the islands that are closest to Jakarta have become increasingly dirty and overcrowded, this seaside retreat still stores a few islands considerably untouched and very idyllic, such as Pulau Sepa and Pulau Macan. Upon stepping onto the island, you probably won’t get over the fact that you are only 1.5 hours of boat ride away from Jakarta!
Heaven is a place on earth at Raja Ampat Islands
The richest marine biodiversity on earth that comes along with spectacular views above ground is none other than the Raja Ampat Islands. This remote paradise is known for its spellbinding natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic limestone islands. It's a dream for divers and snorkellers, with manta rays, reef sharks, and vibrant coral reefs. Far from the crowds, it offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path escape where you can embrace slow island living and connect with welcoming local communities. Whether you're exploring hidden lagoons or simply soaking in the serenity, Raja Ampat is the perfect destination to disconnect and truly reset far from the crowds. And the finishing touch to this eastern part of Indonesia goes to: engaging with the local communities.
Raja Ampat: The Must-Visit Gem on Your Indonesia Bucket List
Immerse in the astounding Lake Toba, North Sumatra
Lake Toba is one of Sumatra’s most astounding sights. It occupies the caldera of a giant volcano that collapsed in on itself after an eruption about 100,000 years ago. It’s absolutely vast that out of the middle of it rises Samosir Island, an island as big as Singapore and a main attraction for travellers from around the world and Indonesia alike, especially due to its cooler climate. Sail a boat around the lake and get in touch with the Batak heritage‒this destination oozes a harmonious blend of tradition and wilderness.
Meet the gods in Bali
Bali is by far the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia. Not including Bali in the list is as incomplete as coffee aficionados going about their days without a cuppa. Start with the basics: Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. Then head to Sanur. If you have more time, venture out to the east and north sides of the island. Clearly, Bali is home to endless activities to do and places to visit, yet you wouldn’t want to miss its world-famous beaches, Tanah Lot, electrifying nightlife scene, rich cultural wonders, and luxurious hotels. First time going to Bali?
Read the Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Bali: A Comprehensive Guide to get the low down.
Plunge into the stillness of Derawan Island
Derawan Island is an island city that is part of the Derawan Islands, an archipelago in East Kalimantan that also lists the equally popular Maratua and Kakaban in its area. The area has one of Indonesia’s most amazing underwater life: giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs, barracudas, stingless jellyfish, and if you’re lucky, whale sharks. Its rich coral species ranks Derawan only second to Papua’s Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. Wonder what a trip to Derawan entails?
Click on Tales of Indonesia: Tranquil Derawan for an idea
Reconnect with Kalimantan’s jungle rumble
Kalimantan is geographically the biggest island in Indonesia, yet it’s the least visited region. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for an under-radar adventure. Sail along the Mahakam River, then get in touch with the Orangutan Rehabilitation centres at Tanjung Harapan and Camp Leakey within the Tanjung Puting National Park. You’ll be trekking within the verdant jungle with a guide and meet this endangered animal up close in its habitat. It’s an experience like no other. Check out www.wowborneo.com for arranged tours.
Roam the magnificent Sumba, Nusa Tenggara
The terrain on Sumba is quite different to its neighbouring islands; undulating hills replace the typical volcanic terrain in Indonesia with many areas in the North and East of the island resembling dry savannahs, whilst central highlands are covered in native alang alang grass and the mountains in the South extend down into lush tropical vegetation. The World Wildlife Fund categorised Sumba as a deciduous forest ecoregion for its special flora and fauna. Sumba’s isolation has helped preserve one of Indonesia’s most fascinating cultures, particularly in its more remote western half, which is home to about two-thirds of the island’s 400,000 people. Come here for the pristine beaches, the national park, its well-preserved traditional villages, and its beautiful Ikat weaving.
Sumba is also home to the recently crowned #1 Hotel in The World by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Nihi Sumba
Stretching across 560 acres of unspoiled natural land including a two and half-kilometer private beach, Nihi Sumba features a three-villa tree house atop a cliff overlooking the Indian ocean, a day-long spa safari with endless spa treatments, private balés, plunge pools in each of its 33 villas , and views of Nihi Beach Island exploration that includes hidden waterfalls, scenic views of farmed rice paddies, local villages and artisans, freshly harvested coconuts, and picnic lunches, world-class surfing on the famous ‘Occy’s Left’ wave, and so much more.
